Gwangdeoksa Temple 광덕사

Gwangdeoksa Temple is said to be established in 637 by Monk Jajang Yulsa during the Silla Kingdom and was refurbished during the reign of King Heungdeok (832). The temple sits in the southeast of Mount Gwangdeoksan (elevation: 699.3m), which borders Asan-si and Cheonan-si, and the southwest of Mount Taehwasan (elevation: 455.5m). It was the biggest temple within Chungcheong and Gyeonggi Province before the Japanese invasion. However, it was burnt down during the Japanese invasion and the main buildings such as Daeungjeon, Myeongbujeon, and Cheonbuljeondeung were recently constructed.

Gwangdeoksa Temple contains a three-story pagoda that is estimated to be the work of the early Goryeo Dynasty and Jonggak Tower, which is a unique octagonal pavilion. The quiet and peaceful ambience of the temple seems to perfectly capture the spirit of Zen meditation.